In a move aimed at bolstering its presence in Central Asia, Wildberries has announced plans to construct three trade and logistics centers in Uzbekistan. The revelation came during a press conference held in Tashkent by representatives of the e-commerce giant.
Tatyana Bakalchuk, the founder and CEO of Wildberries, emphasized the steadfastness of the company's vision for establishing a logistical foothold in Uzbekistan.
"Plans for creating a logistics center in Uzbekistan have not changed and are unlikely to change," she affirmed.
Bakalchuk pointed to Uzbekistan's expansive consumer market and the strategic imperative of attracting producers as key factors driving this initiative.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between Wildberries and Uzbekistan's flourishing light industry, Bakalchuk underscored the inefficiencies currently plaguing the supply chain.
"A large amount of goods that are sold at our sites in Russia come from Uzbekistan the wrong way," she remarked, signaling the need for a more streamlined logistics infrastructure.
While the search for suitable land parcels is ongoing, Bakalchuk outlined the prerequisites guiding Wildberries' selection process. Proximity to major highways, terrain considerations, and acreage are among the key criteria being evaluated.
The first of these centers is slated to materialize in the Tashkent region by 2026. Sardor Kadyrov, Director for Government Relations at Wildberries Uzbekistan, provided insight into the prospective location, indicating a preference for an area behind the Uch Kahramon traffic police post, closer to the Gisht Kuprik border customs post.
Initially budgeted at $137mn, the final cost of the project remains contingent on its development and execution. Kadyrov hinted at the scale of Wildberries' ambitions, disclosing plans for the construction of three such centers across Uzbekistan. As sites are prepared, the subsequent phases of the project will be launched.
"We have three territories in our plans - Tashkent region, Fergana region, and also below Samarkand or Jizzakh," Kadyrov elaborated.
These trade and logistics complexes are envisioned as comprehensive hubs offering a spectrum of marketplace services, encompassing warehousing and logistical operations.
Earlier reports indicated Wildberries' intentions to expand its operations into the financial services sector in Uzbekistan. This strategic endeavor, slated for the medium term, entails establishing a bank in Uzbekistan to provide a suite of financial products and services tailored to the local market.
The decision to diversify into financial services follows closely after Wildberries' recent achievement in Russia. Tatyana Bakalchuk, the founder and CEO of Wildberries, disclosed during a press conference on April 13 that the company had acquired a banking license in Russia to propel its fintech development initiatives. Nevertheless, Bakalchuk stressed the significance of crafting bespoke solutions for each country in which Wildberries operates.
Comments (0)